Wilson Jerman, a former White House butler who worked for 11 presidents, died last weekend after contracting the coronavirus. He was 91.
At a time when parts of the country were still segregated, Jerman, a black man, began his career in the White House during President Dwight Eisenhower’s administration as a cleaner. His granddaughter Jamila Garrett told NBC News that he was promoted to butler during President John F. Kennedy’s administration.
“Jackie O actually promoted him to a butler because of the relationship,” Garrett said. “She was instrumental in ensuring that that happened.”
After his death, former occupants of the White House offered their condolences and memories of Jerman. Former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush acknowledged the key role he played in the lives of many presidents.
“He was a lovely man,” the Bushes said. “He was the first person we saw in the morning when we left the residence and the last person we saw each night when we returned.”
Former first lady Hillary Clinton tweeted that he made the White House feel like a home for her and President Bill Clinton.
“Bill and I were saddened to hear of the passing of Wilson Roosevelt Jerman at the age of 91 from COVID-19,” she tweeted. “Jerman served as a White House butler across 11 presidencies and made generations of first families feel at home, including ours. Our warmest condolences to his loved ones.”
Bill and I were saddened to hear of the passing of Wilson Roosevelt Jerman at the age of 91 from COVID-19. Jerman served as a White House butler across 11 presidencies and made generations of first families feel at home, including ours. Our warmest condolences to his loved ones.
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) May 21, 2020
Former first lady Michelle Obama remembered the kindness Jerman showed to others. He is featured in a photo in her 2018 book Becoming.
“His services to others — his willingness to go above and beyond for the country he loved and all those whose lives he touched — is a legacy worthy of his generous spirit,” she said. “We were lucky to have known him.”
Jerman worked under presidents of different political stripes and personalities but never once complained about his work or those he was working for, according to his granddaughter.
“He was always proud of his work, and that translated to us,” Garrett said. He is survived by four children, 12 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren.
